Victoria's status as the advanced manufacturing capital of Australia has received a boost with the opening of an automation centre that will help businesses embrace digital technologies in their quest to make better products.
Backed by support from the Victorian Government, Bosch Australia's new $17 million Hydraulics and Manufacturing Automation Centre will bring together the company's manufacturing and engineering expertise into one location, expanding its Oceania headquarters in Clayton and creating 35 new jobs.
The new centre will enable the company to bring its automation expertise to diverse sectors such as medical technology, food and beverage and heavy industries in Australia and around the world.
Recently, the company built state-of-the-art automated assembly lines for one of their customers producing high-volume rapid COVID-19 tests for the United States market, as well as test equipment for ventilators in hospitals across Australia.
The demand for advanced manufacturing technologies is rapidly growing as producers look to drive down costs, increase efficiencies and boost productivity to remain globally competitive
The Government has provided more than $184 million in support to the manufacturing industry over the past six years, creating more than 8,000 jobs and generating just on $2 billion in private investment.
The Government continues to support innovation in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies through initiatives such as the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund that will drive growth within the research and business sectors and is set to create more than 15,000 jobs over the next decade.
The $60 million Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund will assist Victorian manufacturers to expand their operations and implement new technologies, while the establishment of the $20 million Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre in Melbourne will strengthen Victoria's capacity to produce vital medical equipment.
As stated by Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula
"Victoria is the place for innovators like Bosch Australia to grow and thrive, due to our skilled workforce, established supply chains, engineering expertise, education excellence, and research and development capability."
"We will continue to support businesses to capitalise on the opportunities and talent available in Victoria, ensuring we remain at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology."
As stated by President of Bosch in Oceania Gavin Smith
"There is no better partner for Australian manufacturers to turn to than Bosch Australia. And there is no better place to establish our Hydraulics and Manufacturing Automation Centre than right here in Victoria."
